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Do not fill this in! ===Foreign policy=== {{Main|Foreign policy of the Barack Obama administration}} [[File:P06409PS-0571 (3594694537).jpg|June 4, 2009 − after his speech ''[[A New Beginning (speech)|A New Beginning]]'' at [[Cairo University]], U.S. President Obama participates in a roundtable interview in 2009 with among others [[Jamal Khashoggi]], [[Bambang Harymurti]] and [[Nahum Barnea]].|thumb|alt=refer to caption]] In February and March 2009, Vice President Joe Biden and [[United States Secretary of State|Secretary of State]] Hillary Clinton made separate overseas trips to announce a "new era" in U.S. foreign relations with Russia and Europe, using the terms "break" and "[[Russian reset|reset]]" to signal major changes from the policies of the preceding administration.<ref name="preceding administration" /> Obama attempted to reach out to Arab leaders by granting his first interview to an Arab satellite TV network, [[Al Arabiya]].<ref>{{cite news |title = Obama reaches out to Muslim world on TV |work = NBC News |url = https://www.nbcnews.com/id/28869185 |access-date = June 15, 2009 |date = January 27, 2009 |archive-date = September 27, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130927152322/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/28869185/ |url-status = live }}</ref> On March 19, Obama continued his outreach to the Muslim world, releasing a New Year's video message to the people and government of Iran.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/mar/20/barack-obama-usa |title = Barack Obama's address to Iran: Full text of Barack Obama's videotaped message to the people and leaders of Iran as they celebrate their New Year's holiday, Nowruz |date = March 20, 2013 |access-date = July 14, 2013 |work = [[The Guardian]] |location = London |archive-date = September 6, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130906074500/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/mar/20/barack-obama-usa |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first = Karen |last = DeYoung |title = Nation U.S. to Join Talks on Iran's Nuclear Program |date = April 9, 2009 |newspaper = The Washington Post |url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/08/AR2009040802254.html |access-date = June 15, 2009 |archive-date = October 4, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181004081141/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/08/AR2009040802254.html |url-status = live }}</ref> On June 4, 2009, Obama delivered a speech at [[Cairo University]] in Egypt calling for "[[A New Beginning (speech)|A New Beginning]]" in relations between the Islamic world and the United States and promoting Middle East peace.<ref name="middleeast" /> On June 26, 2009, Obama condemned the Iranian government's actions towards protesters following [[2009 Iranian presidential election|Iran's 2009 presidential election]].<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/26/obama-dismisses-ahmadinejad-apology-request/ |title = Obama dismisses Ahmadinejad apology request |work = The Washington Times |date = June 26, 2009 |access-date = July 2, 2015 |first1 = Joseph |last1 = Weber |first2 = Stephen |last2 = Dinan |archive-date = April 10, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190410020414/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/26/obama-dismisses-ahmadinejad-apology-request/ |url-status = live }}</ref> In 2011, Obama ordered a drone strike in Yemen which targeted and killed [[Anwar al-Awlaki]], an American imam suspected of being a leading [[Al-Qaeda]] organizer. al-Awlaki became the first [[Citizenship of the United States|U.S. citizen]] to be targeted and killed by a [[Drone strike|U.S. drone strike]]. The Department of Justice released a memo justifying al-Awlaki's death as a lawful act of war,<ref>{{cite news|last=Lauter|first=David|date=June 23, 2014|title=Memo justifying drone killing of American Al Qaeda leader is released|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-drone-memo-awlaki-20140623-story.html|access-date=December 7, 2021|archive-date=April 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430033031/https://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-drone-memo-awlaki-20140623-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> while civil liberties advocates described it as a violation of al-Awlaki's constitutional right to [[due process]]. The killing led to significant controversy.<ref>{{cite news | title=Long-sought memo on lethal drone strike is released | newspaper=Washington Post | date=June 23, 2014 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/legal-memo-backing-drone-strike-is-released/2014/06/23/1f48dd16-faec-11e3-8176-f2c941cf35f1_story.html | access-date=August 15, 2022 | archive-date=August 24, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824084156/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/legal-memo-backing-drone-strike-is-released/2014/06/23/1f48dd16-faec-11e3-8176-f2c941cf35f1_story.html | url-status=live }}</ref> His [[Abdulrahman al-Awlaki|teenage son]] and [[Death of Nawar al-Awlaki|young daughter]], also Americans, were later killed in separate [[Raid on Yakla|US military actions]], although they were not targeted specifically.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Shane|first=Scott|date=August 27, 2015|title=The Lessons of Anwar al-Awlaki|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/30/magazine/the-lessons-of-anwar-al-awlaki.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150827141921/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/30/magazine/the-lessons-of-anwar-al-awlaki.html |archive-date=August 27, 2015 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|access-date=December 7, 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Lauter|first=David|date=June 24, 2014|title=Memo justifying drone killing of American Al Qaeda leader is released|url=https://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-drone-memo-awlaki-20140623-story.html|access-date=December 7, 2021|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|archive-date=April 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430033031/https://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-drone-memo-awlaki-20140623-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[File:Barack Obama's trip to Saudi Arabia April 2016 (9).jpg|thumb|Obama, King [[Salman of Saudi Arabia]], Saudi Crown Prince [[Mohammed bin Salman]] and other leaders at the [[Gulf Cooperation Council|GCC]] summit in Saudi Arabia, April 2016]] In March 2015, Obama declared that he had authorized U.S. forces to provide logistical and intelligence support to the Saudis in their [[Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen|military intervention in Yemen]], establishing a "Joint Planning Cell" with Saudi Arabia.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/report-yemens-embattled-president-flees-stronghold-as-rebels-advance/2015/03/25/e0913ae2-d2d5-11e4-a62f-ee745911a4ff_story.html|title=Saudi Arabia launces air attacks in Yemen|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=March 25, 2015|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=October 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011041452/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/report-yemens-embattled-president-flees-stronghold-as-rebels-advance/2015/03/25/e0913ae2-d2d5-11e4-a62f-ee745911a4ff_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Yemen conflict: US 'could be implicated in war crimes' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37607248 |publisher=BBC News |date=October 10, 2016 |access-date=August 27, 2018 |archive-date=August 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827111918/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37607248 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2016, the Obama administration proposed a series of [[Saudi Arabia–United States relations|arms deals with Saudi Arabia]] worth $115{{spaces}}billion.<ref>{{Cite news | last=Bayoumy | first=Yara | title=Obama administration arms sales offers to Saudi top $115 billion: ... | work=Reuters | date=September 7, 2016 | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-saudi-security/obama-administration-arms-sales-offers-to-saudi-top-115-billion-report-idUSKCN11D2JQ | access-date=August 27, 2018 | archive-date=May 8, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508012617/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-saudi-security/obama-administration-arms-sales-offers-to-saudi-top-115-billion-report-idUSKCN11D2JQ | url-status=live }}</ref> Obama halted the sale of guided munition technology to [[Saudi Arabia]] after Saudi warplanes [[2016 Sana'a funeral airstrike|targeted a funeral]] in Yemen's capital Sanaa, killing more than 140 people.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-saudi-arabia-yemen-war-support-military-houthis-bombing-campaign-crisis-a7472546.html |title=America 'agrees to stop selling some arms' to Saudi Arabia |work=The Independent |date=December 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401180257/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-saudi-arabia-yemen-war-support-military-houthis-bombing-campaign-crisis-a7472546.html|archive-date=April 1, 2019 |first1=Phil |last1=Stewart |first2=Warren |last2=Strobel }}</ref> ====War in Iraq==== {{Main|Iraq War|American-led intervention in Iraq (2014–2021)}} On February 27, 2009, Obama announced that combat operations in Iraq would end within 18 months.<ref>{{cite news |agency = [[Associated Press]] |first = Ben |last = Feller |url = http://gazette.com/obama-sets-firm-withdrawal-timetable-for-iraq/article/49026 |title = Obama sets firm withdrawal timetable for Iraq |work = [[The Gazette (Colorado Springs)|The Gazette]] |date = February 27, 2009 |access-date = March 3, 2009 |archive-date = February 7, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170207113330/http://gazette.com/obama-sets-firm-withdrawal-timetable-for-iraq/article/49026 |url-status = dead }}</ref> The Obama administration scheduled the withdrawal of combat troops to be completed by August 2010, decreasing troop's levels from 142,000 while leaving a transitional force of about 50,000 in Iraq until the end of 2011. On August 19, 2010, the last U.S. combat brigade exited Iraq. Remaining troops transitioned from combat operations to [[counter-terrorism]] and the training, equipping, and advising of Iraqi security forces.<ref>{{cite news |last = Jones |first = Athena |date = February 27, 2009 |url = http://firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2009/02/27/4428005-obama-announces-iraq-plan |title = Obama announces Iraq plan |publisher = MSNBC |access-date = July 2, 2015 |archive-date = November 16, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141116013112/http://firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2009/02/27/4428005-obama-announces-iraq-plan |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author = Sykes, Hugh |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11020270 |title = Last US combat brigade exits Iraq |publisher = BBC News |date = August 19, 2010 |access-date = December 25, 2012 }}</ref> On August 31, 2010, Obama announced that the United States combat mission in Iraq was over.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/sep/01/obama-formally-ends-iraq-war |place = London |work = The Guardian |title = Barack Obama ends the war in Iraq. 'Now it's time to turn the page' |first = Ewen |last = MacAskill |date = September 1, 2010 }}</ref> On October 21, 2011, President Obama announced that all U.S. troops would leave Iraq in time to be "home for the holidays."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/44990594 |title = All U.S. troops out of Iraq by end of year |work = NBC News |date = October 21, 2011 |access-date = December 25, 2012 }}</ref> In June 2014, following the [[Northern Iraq offensive (June 2014)#Fall of Mosul and push into Kirkuk|capture of Mosul]] by [[Islamic State|ISIL]], Obama sent 275 troops to provide support and security for U.S. personnel and the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. ISIS continued to gain ground and to commit [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant#Human rights abuse and war crime findings|widespread massacres and ethnic cleansing]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/obama-is-sending-275-us-troops-to-iraq-2014-6 |title = Obama Is Sending 275 US Troops To Iraq |work = Business Insider |access-date = June 19, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-un-rights-idUSKBN0H30KB20140908 |title = New U.N. rights boss warns of 'house of blood' in Iraq, Syria |access-date = July 11, 2015 |last = Nebehay |first = Stephanie |work = Reuters |date = September 8, 2014 }}</ref> In August 2014, during the [[Sinjar massacre]], Obama ordered a [[American-led intervention in Iraq (2014–present)#Airstrikes|campaign of U.S. airstrikes against ISIL]].<ref name="def31-10-14">{{cite web |url=http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=123542 |title = DoD Authorizes War on Terror Award for Inherent Resolve Ops |date = October 31, 2014 |publisher = Defense.gov |access-date = November 22, 2014 }}</ref> By the end of 2014, 3,100 American ground troops were committed to the conflict<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-30388718 |title = Islamic State: Coalition 'pledges more troops' for Iraq |publisher = BBC News |access-date = August 23, 2015 |date = December 8, 2014 }}</ref> and 16,000 sorties were flown over the battlefield, primarily by U.S. Air Force and Navy pilots.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/2015/01/19/a10-strikes-isis-11-percent/21875911/ |title = A-10 Performing 11 Percent of Anti-ISIS Sorties |last = Mehta |first = Aaron |date = January 19, 2015 |work = [[Defense News]] |access-date = August 23, 2015 }}</ref> In early 2015, with the addition of the "Panther Brigade" of the [[82nd Airborne Division]] the number of U.S. ground troops in Iraq increased to 4,400,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.stripes.com/news/us/1-000-soldiers-from-the-82nd-airborne-headed-to-iraq-1.320194 |title = 1,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne headed to Iraq |work=[[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]] |access-date = August 23, 2015 }}</ref> and by July American-led coalition air forces counted 44,000 sorties over the battlefield.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2015/07/21/stealthy-jet-ensures-other-war-fighting-aircraft-survive |title=Stealthy Jet Ensures Other War-Fighting Aircraft Survive |work=[[U.S. News & World Report]] |access-date=August 23, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150813053355/http://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2015/07/21/stealthy-jet-ensures-other-war-fighting-aircraft-survive |archive-date=August 13, 2015 }}</ref> ====Afghanistan and Pakistan==== {{Main|War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|AfPak}} [[File:P050609PS-0531 (3508804772).jpg|thumb|Obama after a trilateral meeting with Afghan President [[Hamid Karzai]] (left) and Pakistani President [[Asif Ali Zardari]] (right), May 2009|alt=Photo of Obama and other heads of state walking along the Colonnade outside the White House]] In his election campaign, Obama called the war in Iraq a "dangerous distraction" and that emphasis should instead be put on the war in Afghanistan,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/15/obama.iraq/index.html |title=Obama calls Iraq war a 'dangerous distraction' |work=[[CNN]] |date=July 15, 2008 |access-date=August 15, 2022}}</ref> the region he cites as being most likely where an attack against the United States could be launched again.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/16/us/politics/15cnd-obama.html | title=Obama and McCain Duel over Iraq | newspaper=The New York Times | date=July 16, 2008 | last1=Broder | first1=John M. }}</ref> Early in his presidency, Obama moved to bolster U.S. troop strength in Afghanistan. He announced an increase in U.S. troop levels to 17,000 military personnel in February 2009 to "stabilize a deteriorating situation in Afghanistan", an area he said had not received the "strategic attention, direction and resources it urgently requires."<ref>{{cite news |first = Amanda |last = Hodge |title = Obama launches Afghanistan Surge |date = February 19, 2009 |work = The Australian |location = Sydney |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/archive/news/obama-launches-afghanistan-surge/story-e6frg6t6-1111118893671 }}</ref> He replaced the military commander in Afghanistan, General [[David D. McKiernan]], with former [[Special Forces (United States Army)|Special Forces]] commander Lt. Gen. [[Stanley A. McChrystal]] in May 2009, indicating that McChrystal's Special Forces experience would facilitate the use of counterinsurgency tactics in the war.<ref name="counterinsurgency tactics" /> On December 1, 2009, Obama announced the deployment of an additional 30,000 military personnel to Afghanistan and proposed to begin troop withdrawals 18 months from that date;<ref>{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |date=December 1, 2009 |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/34218604 |title=Obama details Afghan war plan, troop increases |work=NBC News }}</ref> this took place in July 2011. [[David Petraeus]] replaced McChrystal in June 2010, after McChrystal's staff criticized White House personnel in a magazine article.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/06/24/mcchrystal.gates.support/ |title = Gates says he agrees with Obama decision on McChrystal |publisher = CNN |date = June 24, 2010 |access-date = September 18, 2010 }}</ref> In February 2013, Obama said the U.S. military would reduce the troop level in Afghanistan from 68,000 to 34,000 U.S. troops by February 2014.<ref>{{cite news |last = Chandrasekaran |first = Rajiv |title = Obama wants to cut troop level in Afghanistan in half over next year |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/official-obama-to-cut-troop-level-in-afghanistan-in-half-by-next-year/2013/02/12/63a044c8-7536-11e2-8f84-3e4b513b1a13_story.html |access-date = February 14, 2013 |newspaper = The Washington Post |date = February 12, 2013 }}</ref> In October 2015, the White House announced a plan to keep U.S. Forces in Afghanistan indefinitely in light of the deteriorating security situation.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-34536833 |title = US troops in Afghanistan: Taliban resurgence sees rethink |publisher = BBC News |date = October 15, 2015 |access-date = October 15, 2015 |last = Marcus |first = Jonathan }}</ref> Regarding neighboring Pakistan, Obama called its tribal border region the "greatest threat" to the security of Afghanistan and Americans, saying that he "cannot tolerate a terrorist sanctuary." In the same speech, Obama claimed that the U.S. "cannot succeed in Afghanistan or secure our homeland unless we change our Pakistan policy."<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/15/us/politics/15text-obama.html | title=Obama's Remarks on Iraq and Afghanistan | newspaper=The New York Times | date=July 15, 2008 }}</ref> =====Death of Osama bin Laden===== {{Main|Killing of Osama bin Laden}} [[File:Obama and Biden await updates on bin Laden.jpg|left|thumb|Obama and members of the national security team receive an update on [[Operation Neptune's Spear]] in the [[White House Situation Room]], May 1, 2011. See also: [[Situation Room (photograph)|''Situation Room'']].|alt=Photo of Obama, Biden, and national security staffers in the Situation Room, somberly listening to updates on the bin Laden raid]] Starting with information received from Central Intelligence Agency operatives in July 2010, the CIA developed intelligence over the next several months that determined what they believed to be the hideout of [[Osama bin Laden]]. He was living in seclusion in [[Osama bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad|a large compound]] in [[Abbottabad]], Pakistan, a suburban area {{convert|35|mi|km}} from [[Islamabad]].<ref name="NYT-clues">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/03/world/asia/03intel.html |title = Clues Gradually Led to the Location of Osama bin Laden |last1 = Mazzetti |first1 = Mark |first2 = Helene |last2 = Cooper |first3 = Peter |last3 = Baker |date = May 3, 2011 |work = The New York Times |access-date = May 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110503190900/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/03/world/asia/03intel.html |archive-date = May 3, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> CIA head [[Leon Panetta]] reported this intelligence to President Obama in March 2011.<ref name="NYT-clues" /> Meeting with his national security advisers over the course of the next six weeks, Obama rejected a plan to bomb the compound, and authorized a "surgical raid" to be conducted by [[United States Navy SEALs]].<ref name="NYT-clues" /> The operation took place on May 1, 2011, and resulted in the shooting death of bin Laden and the seizure of papers, computer drives and disks from the compound.<ref name="WP-binLaden">{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/osama-bin-laden-is-killed-by-us-forces-in-pakistan/2011/05/01/AFXMZyVF_story.html |title = Osama bin Laden is killed by U.S. forces in Pakistan |newspaper = The Washington Post |access-date = September 13, 2014 |date = May 2, 2011 |first1 = Philip |last1 = Rucker |first2 = Scott |last2 = Wilson |first3 = Anne E. |last3 = Kornblut }}</ref><ref name="ND-binLaden">{{cite web |url=http://www.newsday.com/news/breaking/official-offers-details-of-bin-laden-raid-1.2853079 |title = Official offers details of bin Laden raid |website = Newsday |access-date = September 13, 2014 |date = May 2, 2011 }}</ref> DNA testing was one of five methods used to positively identify bin Laden's corpse,<ref name="ABC-binLaden">{{cite news |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/osama-bin-laden-killed/story?id=13505703 |title = Osama bin Laden Killed by U.S. Forces in Pakistan |last1 = Schabner |first1 = Dean |first2 = Karen |last2 = Travers |date = May 1, 2011 |work = ABC News |access-date = May 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110504021523/http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/osama-bin-laden-killed/story?id=13505703 |archive-date = May 4, 2011 }}</ref> which was buried at sea several hours later.<ref name="NYT-ObamaAnnounce">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/02/world/asia/osama-bin-laden-is-killed.html |title=Bin Laden Is Dead, Obama Says |last1=Baker |first1=Peter |first2=Helene |last2=Cooper |first3=Mark |last3=Mazzetti |date=May 2, 2011 |work=The New York Times |access-date=May 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110505195308/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/02/world/asia/osama-bin-laden-is-killed.html |archive-date=May 5, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Within minutes of the President's announcement from Washington, DC, late in the evening on May 1, there were spontaneous celebrations around the country as crowds gathered outside the White House, and at New York City's [[World Trade Center site|Ground Zero]] and [[Times Square]].<ref name="WP-binLaden" /><ref name="Guard-ObamaAnnounce">{{cite news |last1 = Walsh |first1 = Declan |first2 = Richard |last2 = Adams |first3 = Ewen |last3 = MacAskill |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/may/02/osama-bin-laden-dead-obama |title = Osama bin Laden is dead, Obama announces |date = May 2, 2011 |work = The Guardian |place = London |access-date = May 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110503154000/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/02/osama-bin-laden-dead-obama |archive-date = May 3, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Reactions to the death of Osama bin Laden|Reaction to the announcement]] was positive across party lines, including from former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.<ref name="Bloom-binLaden">{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-02/death-of-bin-laden-may-strengthen-obama-s-hand-in-domestic-foreign-policy.html |title = Death of Bin Laden May Strengthen Obama's Hand in Domestic, Foreign Policy |last = Dorning |first = Mike |date = May 2, 2011 |agency = [[Bloomberg News]] |access-date = May 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110503203539/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-02/death-of-bin-laden-may-strengthen-obama-s-hand-in-domestic-foreign-policy.html |archive-date = May 3, 2011 }}</ref> {{clear}} ====Relations with Cuba==== {{Main|Cuban thaw}} [[File:Handshake between the President and Cuban President Raúl Castro.jpg|thumb|President Obama meeting with Cuban President [[Raúl Castro]] in Panama, April 2015|alt=Photo of Obama shaking hands with the Cuban president]] Since the spring of 2013, secret meetings were conducted between the United States and Cuba in the neutral locations of Canada and [[Vatican City]].<ref>{{cite news |last1 = Warren |first1 = Strobel |title = Secret talks in Canada, Vatican City led to Cuba breakthrough |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cuba-usa-reconstruction-idUSKBN0JV2DM20141217 |work = Reuters |access-date = December 21, 2014 }}</ref> The Vatican first became involved in 2013 when Pope Francis advised the U.S. and Cuba to [[prisoner exchange|exchange prisoners]] as a gesture of goodwill.<ref>{{cite news |last1 = Morello |first1 = Carol |last2 = DeYoung |first2 = Karen |title = Secret U.S.-Cuba diplomacy ended in landmark deal on prisoners, future ties |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/secret-diplomacy-with-cuba-ended-in-breakthrough-deal/2014/12/17/c51b3ed8-8614-11e4-a702-fa31ff4ae98e_story.html |newspaper = The Washington Post |access-date = December 21, 2014 }}</ref> On December 10, 2013, Cuban President [[Raúl Castro]], in a significant public moment, greeted and shook hands with Obama at the [[Death of Nelson Mandela|Nelson Mandela memorial service]] in [[Johannesburg]].<ref>{{Cite news | last1=Roberts | first1=Dan | last2=Luscombe | first2=Richard | title=Obama shakes hands with Raúl Castro for first time at Mandela memorial | newspaper=The Guardian | date=December 10, 2013 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/10/obama-shakes-hands-raul-castro-mandela-memorial | access-date=February 15, 2017}}</ref> In December 2014, after the secret meetings, it was announced that Obama, with Pope Francis as an intermediary, had negotiated a restoration of relations with Cuba, after nearly sixty years of détente.<ref>{{cite news |first = Barbie Latza |last = Nadeau |url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/12/17/the-pope-s-diplomatic-miracle-ending-the-u-s-cuba-cold-war.html |title = The Pope's Diplomatic Miracle: Ending the U.S.–Cuba Cold War |work = The Daily Beast |date = December 17, 2014 |access-date = December 18, 2014 }}</ref> Popularly dubbed the [[Cuban Thaw]], ''[[The New Republic]]'' deemed the Cuban Thaw to be "Obama's finest foreign policy achievement."<ref>{{cite news |magazine=[[The New Republic]] |url=https://newrepublic.com/article/121522/cuba-obamas-biggest-foreign-policy-success |title=The Cuban Thaw Is Obama's Finest Foreign Policy Achievement to Date |first=Joel |last=Gillin |date=April 13, 2015 }}</ref> On July 1, 2015, President Obama announced that formal diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States would resume, and embassies would be opened in Washington and [[Havana]].<ref>{{cite news |title = Obama announces re-establishment of U.S.-Cuba diplomatic ties |url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/01/politics/obama-note-to-castro-reestablish-ties/ |publisher = CNN |access-date = July 1, 2015 }}</ref> The countries' respective "interests sections" in one another's capitals were upgraded to embassies on July 20 and August 13, 2015, respectively.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/cuba/article27862504.html |title = United States and Cuba reestablish diplomatic relations |first = Mimi |last = Whitefield |work = The Miami Herald |date = July 20, 2015 |access-date = July 19, 2015 }}</ref> Obama visited Havana, Cuba for two days in March 2016, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to arrive since [[Calvin Coolidge]] in 1928.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Julie Hirschfeld Davis |first2=Damien |last2=Cave |date = March 21, 2016 |title = Obama Arrives in Cuba, Heralding New Era After Decades of Hostility |work = The New York Times |page = A1 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/21/world/americas/obama-arrives-in-cuba.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320203029/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/21/world/americas/obama-arrives-in-cuba.html |archive-date=March 20, 2016 |url-access=limited |url-status=live }}</ref> ====Israel==== [[File:Barack Obama welcomes Shimon Peres in the Oval Office.jpg|thumb|left|Obama meeting with Israeli President [[Shimon Peres]] in the [[Oval Office]], May 2009|alt=Photo of Obama shaking hands with Israeli President Shimon Peres, with Biden overlooking]] During the initial years of the Obama administration, the U.S. increased military cooperation with Israel, including increased military aid, re-establishment of the [[Joint Political Military Group|U.S.-Israeli Joint Political Military Group]] and the Defense Policy Advisory Group, and an increase in visits among high-level military officials of both countries.<ref>{{cite news |last=Levinson |first=Charles |date=August 14, 2010 |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703321004575427272550050504 |title=U.S., Israel Build Military Cooperation |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |location=New York |access-date=March 1, 2011 }}</ref> The Obama administration asked Congress to allocate money toward funding the [[Iron Dome]] program in response to the waves of [[Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Kampeas |first=Ron |date=October 26, 2012 |url=http://www.jewishjournal.com/nation/article/for_obama_campaign_trying_to_put_to_rest_persistent_questions_about_kishkes |title=For Obama campaign, trying to put to rest persistent questions about 'kishkes' |newspaper=Jewish Journal}}</ref> In March 2010, Obama took a public stance against plans by the government of Israeli Prime Minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] to continue building Jewish housing projects in predominantly Arab neighborhoods of [[East Jerusalem]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/Netanyahus-Office-No-Change-on-East-Jerusalem-Plans-89258402.html |title = Israel Refuses to Halt Construction in East Jerusalem |publisher = [[Voice of America]] |date = March 25, 2010 |access-date = July 2, 2015 |first = Robert |last = Berger }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/25/world/middleeast/25jerusalem.html |title = Israel Confirms New Building in East Jerusalem |work = The New York Times |date = March 24, 2010 |first = Isabel |last = Kershner |access-date = April 26, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100329231159/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/25/world/middleeast/25jerusalem.html |archive-date = March 29, 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2011, the United States vetoed a Security Council resolution condemning [[Israeli settlement]]s, with the United States being the only nation to do so.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=37572&Cr=palestin&Cr1 |title = United States vetoes Security Council resolution on Israeli settlements |date = February 18, 2011 |website = UN News Service Section |access-date = September 13, 2014 }}</ref> Obama supports the [[two-state solution]] to the [[Arab–Israeli conflict]] based on the 1967 borders with land swaps.<ref>{{cite news |last=Levy |first=Elior |date=May 22, 2011 |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4072210,00.html |title=PA challenges Netanyahu to accept 1967 lines |work=Ynetnews |access-date=May 22, 2011 }}</ref> In 2013, [[Jeffrey Goldberg]] reported that, in Obama's view, "with each new settlement announcement, Netanyahu is moving his country down a path toward near-total isolation."<ref name="Bloomberg">{{cite news |last = Goldberg |first = Jeffrey |title = Obama: 'Israel Doesn't Know What Its Best Interests Are' |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-14/what-obama-thinks-israelis-don-t-understand-.html |access-date = January 23, 2013 |work = Bloomberg |date = January 14, 2013 }}</ref> In 2014, Obama likened the [[Zionist movement]] to the [[civil rights movement]] in the United States. He said both movements seek to bring justice and equal rights to historically persecuted peoples, explaining: "To me, being pro-Israel and pro-Jewish is part and parcel with the values that I've been fighting for since I was politically conscious and started getting involved in politics."<ref>{{cite news |last=Goldberg |first=Jeffrey |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2015/09/obama-netanyahu-and-the-future-of-israel/405082/ |title=After the Iran Deal: Obama, Netanyahu, and the Future of the Jewish State |work=The Atlantic |date=September 13, 2015 |access-date=September 13, 2015 }}</ref> Obama expressed support for Israel's right to defend itself during the [[2014 Israel–Gaza conflict]].<ref>{{cite news |title = Obama reaffirms Israel's right to defend itself |first=Herb|last=Keinon|url=http://www.jpost.com/Operation-Protective-Edge/Netanyahu-speaks-with-UN-chief-over-phone-363479 |date = July 19, 2014 | work= [[The Times of Israel]] }}</ref> In 2015, Obama was harshly criticized by Israel for advocating and signing the [[Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action|Iran Nuclear Deal]]; Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had advocated the U.S. congress to oppose it, said the deal was "dangerous" and "bad."<ref>{{Cite news | title=Netanyahu: Iran nuclear deal makes world much more dangerous, Israel not bound by it | newspaper=[[Haaretz]] | date=July 14, 2015 |url=https://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.665821 | access-date=January 3, 2018}}</ref> On December 23, 2016, under the Obama Administration, the United States abstained from [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334]], which condemned Israeli settlement building in the occupied [[Palestinian territories]] as a violation of international law, effectively allowing it to pass.<ref>{{cite news | last1=Collinson | first1=Stephen | last2=Wright | first2=David | last3=Labott | first3=Elise | title=US Abstains as UN Demands End to Israeli Settlements |url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/23/politics/israel-official-rips-obama-un-settlements/ | date=December 24, 2016 | work=CNN | access-date=January 7, 2017}}</ref> Netanyahu strongly criticized the Obama administration's actions,<ref>{{Cite news | last1=Barak | first1=Ravid | title=Netanyahu on UN Settlement Vote: Israel Will Not Turn the Other Cheek |url=http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.761470 | date=December 26, 2016 | newspaper=[[Haaretz]] | access-date=January 7, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | title=Israel-Palestinians: Netanyahu Condemns John Kerry Speech |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38455753 | date=December 29, 2016 | publisher=BBC News | access-date=January 7, 2017 }}</ref> and the Israeli government withdrew its annual dues from the organization, which totaled $6{{spaces}}million, on January 6, 2017.<ref>{{cite web | title=Israel Halts $6{{spaces}}million to UN to Protest UN Settlements Vote |url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/01/06/israel-halts-6-million-to-un-to-protest-un-settlements-vote.html | date=January 6, 2017 | publisher=[[Fox News]] (from the [[Associated Press]]) | access-date=January 7, 2017}}</ref> On January 5, 2017, the United States House of Representatives voted 342–80 to condemn the UN Resolution.<ref>{{cite news | title=House Overwhelmingly Votes to Condemn UN Resolution on Israel Settlements |url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/05/house-overwhelmingly-votes-to-condemn-un-resolution-on-israel-settlements.html | date=January 5, 2017 | publisher=[[Fox News]] | access-date=January 7, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last1=Cortellessa | first1=Eric | title=US House Passes Motion Repudiating UN Resolution on Israel |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/us-house-passes-repudiation-of-un-security-council-resolution-on-israel/ | date=January 6, 2017 | work=[[The Times of Israel]] | access-date=January 17, 2017}}</ref> ====Libya==== {{Main|2011 military intervention in Libya|2012 Benghazi attack}} In February 2011, protests in Libya began against long-time dictator [[Muammar Gaddafi]] as part of the [[Arab Spring]]. They soon turned violent. In March, as forces loyal to Gaddafi advanced on rebels across Libya, calls for a no-fly zone came from around the world, including Europe, the [[Arab League]], and a resolution<ref>{{cite web |url = http://mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressOffice.FloorStatements&ContentRecord_id=b63b7b6f-a466-ba23-dea8-7bc024f54655 |title = Floor Statement by Senator McCain Introducing the Senate Resolution Calling for a No-Fly Zone in Libya |publisher = Senate.gov |date = March 14, 2011 |access-date = March 28, 2011 |archive-date = September 27, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110927155925/http://mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressOffice.FloorStatements&ContentRecord_id=b63b7b6f-a466-ba23-dea8-7bc024f54655 |url-status = dead }}</ref> passed unanimously by the U.S. Senate.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nationaljournal.com/congress/senate-passes-resolution-calling-for-no-fly-zone-over-libya-20110301?page=1 |title = Senate Passes Resolution Calling for No-Fly Zone Over Libya |work = [[National Journal]] |date = March 1, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511121418/http://nationaljournal.com/congress/senate-passes-resolution-calling-for-no-fly-zone-over-libya-20110301?page=1 |archive-date = May 11, 2011 }}</ref> In response to the passage of [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973]] on March 17, Gaddafi—who had previously vowed to "show no mercy" to the rebels of [[Benghazi]]<ref>{{cite news |last = Winnett |first = Robert |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8389565/Libya-UN-approves-no-fly-zone-as-British-troops-prepare-for-action.html |title = Libya: UN approves no-fly zone as British troops prepare for action |work = The Daily Telegraph |place = London |date = March 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110428102507/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8389565/Libya-UN-approves-no-fly-zone-as-British-troops-prepare-for-action.html |archive-date = April 28, 2011 }}</ref>—announced an immediate cessation of military activities.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-staggers/2011/03/fly-zone-ceasefire-libya |author = Shackle, Samira |title = Libya declares ceasefire |work = New Statesman blog |location = London |date = March 18, 2011 |access-date = July 16, 2011 }}</ref> The next day, on Obama's orders, the U.S. military took part in air strikes to destroy the Libyan government's air defense capabilities to protect civilians and enforce a no-fly-zone,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rttnews.com/Content/GeneralNews.aspx?Id=1580433&SM=1 |title = Obama: US to Transfer Lead Role in Libya |publisher = RTT Newswire |access-date = March 22, 2011 }}</ref> including the use of [[Tomahawk (missile)|Tomahawk missiles]], [[Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit|B-2 Spirits]], and fighter jets.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/mar/23/ap-news-in-brief/ |title=Obama says US efforts in Libya have saved lives, control of operation can be turned over soon |work=[[Ventura County Star]] |agency=Associated Press |access-date=March 22, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828104819/http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/mar/23/ap-news-in-brief/ |archive-date=August 28, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author = Pannell, Ian |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12813757 |title = Gaddafi 'not targeted' by allied strikes |publisher = BBC News |date = March 21, 2011 |access-date = July 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623012338/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12813757 |archive-date = June 23, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/22/f15-fighter-crash-libya |title = F-15 fighter jet crashes in Libya |work = The Guardian |location = London |date = March 22, 2011 |access-date = March 23, 2011 |first = Sam |last = Jones |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110322190309/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/22/f15-fighter-crash-libya |archive-date = March 22, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> Six days later, on March 25, by unanimous vote of all its 28 members, NATO took over leadership of the effort, dubbed [[Operation Unified Protector]].<ref name="NATOPressRelease">{{cite web |url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_03/20110325_110325-unified-protector-no-fly-zone.pdf |title = NATO No-Fly Zone over Libya Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR |publisher = NATO |date = March 25, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110515150551/http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_03/20110325_110325-unified-protector-no-fly-zone.pdf |archive-date = May 15, 2011 |url-status = dead }}</ref> Some members of Congress<ref name="LibyaOffensive">{{cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/is-obamas-libya-offensive-constitutional/ |title = Is Obama's Libya offensive constitutional? |work = CBS News |date = March 22, 2011 |access-date = March 22, 2011 |first = Brian |last = Montopoli }}</ref> questioned whether Obama had the constitutional authority to order military action in addition to questioning its cost, structure and aftermath.<ref>{{cite news |title = Obama's Libya Policy Makes Strange Bedfellows of Congressional Critics |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/20/obama-libya_n_838219.html |work = The Huffington Post |access-date = March 26, 2011 |date = March 21, 2011 |first = Sam |last = Stein |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110323083100/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/20/obama-libya_n_838219.html |archive-date = March 23, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = Obama juggles Libya promises, realities |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/03/25/obama.libya/index.html |publisher = CNN |access-date = March 26, 2011 |date = March 25, 2011 }}</ref> Obama later expressed regret for playing a leading role in the destabilization of Libya, calling the certain situation there "a mess".<ref>{{cite news|first1=Allie|last1=Malloy|first2=Catherine|last2=Treyz|date=April 10, 2016|title=Obama admits worst mistake of his presidency — CNN Politics|url=https://www.cnn.com/2016/04/10/politics/obama-libya-biggest-mistake/index.html|access-date=April 24, 2021|website=CNN|language=en}}</ref> He has stated that the lack of preparation surrounding the days following the government's overthrow was the "worst mistake" of his presidency.<ref>{{Cite news|date=April 11, 2016|title=President Obama: Libya aftermath 'worst mistake' of presidency|language=en-GB|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-36013703|access-date=April 24, 2021}}</ref> ====Syrian civil war==== {{See also|Foreign involvement in the Syrian civil war#United States|American-led intervention in the Syrian civil war}} On August 18, 2011, several months after the start of the [[Syrian civil war]], Obama issued a written statement that said: "The time has come for [[Bashar al-Assad|President Assad]] to step aside."<ref name="mustgo">{{cite news|title=Assad must go, Obama says|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/assad-must-go-obama-says/2011/08/18/gIQAelheOJ_story.html |access-date=November 23, 2015|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=August 18, 2011}}</ref> This stance was reaffirmed in November 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/obama-says-syrian-leader-bashar-al-assad-must-go-1447925671|title=Obama Says Syrian Leader Bashar al-Assad Must Go|author=Nelson, Colleen}}</ref> In 2012, Obama authorized multiple [[Timber Sycamore|programs run by the CIA]] and the Pentagon to train anti-Assad rebels.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-syria-obama-order-idUSBRE8701OK20120802|author=Hosenball, Mark|title=Obama authorizes secret support for Syrian rebels|access-date=February 19, 2016|work=Reuters|date=August 2, 2012}}</ref> The Pentagon-run program was later found to have failed and was formally abandoned in October 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/10/world/middleeast/pentagon-program-islamic-state-syria.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009144157/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/10/world/middleeast/pentagon-program-islamic-state-syria.html |archive-date=October 9, 2015 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|title=Obama Administration Ends Effort to Train Syrians to Combat ISIS|first1=Michael D. |last1=Shear |first2=Helene |last2=Cooper |first3=Eric |last3=Schmitt |newspaper=The New York Times |date=October 9, 2015 |access-date=February 20, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-usa-idUSKCN0S31BR20151009|title=U.S. pulls plug on Syria rebel training effort; will focus on weapons supply|first1=Phil |last1=Stewart |first2=Kate|last2=Holton|access-date=February 20, 2016|work=Reuters|date=October 9, 2015}}</ref> In the wake of a [[Ghouta chemical attack|chemical weapons attack]] in Syria, [[U.S. Government Assessment of the Syrian Government's Use of Chemical Weapons on August 21, 2013|formally blamed]] by the Obama administration on the Assad government, Obama chose not to enforce the "red line" he had pledged<ref name="redline">{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/may/17/obama-red-line-erased-as-assad-chemical-weapons-us/?page=all|title=Obama 'red line' erased as Bashar Assad's chemical weapons use goes unchecked by U.S. military|work=The Washington Times |date=May 17, 2015 |access-date=November 23, 2015}}</ref> and, rather than authorize the promised military action against Assad, went along with the Russia-brokered deal that led to Assad [[Destruction of Syria's chemical weapons|giving up chemical weapons]]; however attacks with [[chlorine gas]] continued.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/15/world/middleeast/syria-talks.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130914154144/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/15/world/middleeast/syria-talks.html |archive-date=September 14, 2013 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|title=U.S. and Russia Reach Deal to Destroy Syria's Chemical Arms|author=Gordon, Michael|newspaper=The New York Times |date=September 14, 2013 |access-date=February 19, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/syria-got-rid-of-its-chemical-weapons-but-reports-of-attacks-continue/|title=Syria Got Rid of Its Chemical Weapons—But Reports of Attacks Continue|author=Boghani, Priyanka|access-date=February 19, 2016}}</ref> In 2014, Obama authorized an [[Military intervention against ISIL|air campaign aimed primarily at ISIL]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/09/obama-strike-wherever-it-exists-2014910223935601193.html|title=Obama outlines plan to target IS fighters|publisher=[[Al Jazeera English|Al Jazeera]]|date=September 11, 2014|access-date=September 24, 2014}}</ref> ====Iran nuclear talks==== {{Main|Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action}} [[File:Barack Obama talks with Benjamin Netanyahu (8637772147).jpg|thumb|Obama talks with Israeli prime minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] in [[Jerusalem]], March 2013.|alt=refer to caption]] On October 1, 2009, the Obama administration went ahead with a Bush administration program, increasing nuclear weapons production. The "Complex Modernization" initiative expanded two existing nuclear sites to produce new bomb parts. In November 2013, the Obama administration opened [[Negotiations leading to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action|negotiations]] with Iran to prevent it from acquiring [[nuclear weapon]]s, which included an [[Joint Plan of Action|interim agreement]]. Negotiations took two years with numerous delays, with a deal being announced on July 14, 2015. The deal titled the "Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action" saw sanctions removed in exchange for measures that would prevent Iran from producing nuclear weapons. While Obama hailed the agreement as being a step towards a more hopeful world, the deal drew strong criticism from Republican and conservative quarters, and from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.<ref>{{Cite news |title = Iran deal reached, Obama hails step toward 'more hopeful world' |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-nuclear-idUSKCN0PM0CE20150714 |date = July 14, 2015 |access-date = July 14, 2015 |work = Reuters }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title = Iran, World Powers Prepare to Sign Nuclear Accord |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/embargo-on-arms-clouds-iran-nuclear-deal-1436831280 |date = July 14, 2015 |access-date = July 14, 2015 |newspaper = The Wall Street Journal |last1 = Solomon |first1 = Jay |last2 = Norman |first2 = Laurence |last3 = Lee |first3 = Carol E. }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = Landmark deal reached on Iran nuclear program |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2015/07/14/politics/iran-nuclear-deal/ |date = July 14, 2015 |access-date = July 14, 2015 |publisher = CNN }}</ref> In addition, the transfer of $1.7{{spaces}}billion in cash to Iran shortly after the deal was announced was criticized by the Republican party. The Obama administration said that the payment in cash was because of the "effectiveness of U.S. and international sanctions."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-iran-payment-cash-20160907-snap-story.html|title=$1.7-billion payment to Iran was all in cash due to effectiveness of sanctions, White House says|date=September 7, 2016|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=October 30, 2019}}</ref> In order to advance the deal, the Obama administration shielded [[Hezbollah]] from the [[Drug Enforcement Administration]]'s [[Project Cassandra]] investigation regarding drug smuggling and from the [[Central Intelligence Agency]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/1.829686 |title=Obama Administration Reportedly Shielded Hezbollah From DEA and CIA to Save Iran Nuclear Deal |work=Haaretz |date=December 18, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.politico.com/interactives/2017/obama-hezbollah-drug-trafficking-investigation/ |title=A Global Threat Emerges |work=Politico |date=December 18, 2017 |first=Josh |last=Meyer }}</ref> On a side note, the very same year, in December 2015, Obama started a $348{{spaces}}billion worth program to back the biggest U.S. buildup of nuclear arms since Ronald Reagan left the White House.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/lorenthompson/2015/12/15/obama-backs-biggest-nuclear-arms-buildup-since-cold-war/|title=Obama Backs Biggest Nuclear Arms Buildup Since Cold War|first=Loren|last=Thompson|website=Forbes}}</ref> ====Russia==== {{See also|Russia–United States relations#Obama administration (2009–2017)}} [[File:Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama (2015-09-29) 01.jpg|thumb|Obama meets Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]] in September 2015.|alt=Photo of Obama shaking hands with Vladimir Putin in front of Russian and American flags]] In March 2010, an agreement was reached with the administration of Russian President [[Dmitry Medvedev]] to replace the [[START I|1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty]] with a new pact reducing the number of long-range nuclear weapons in the arsenals of both countries by about a third.<ref>{{cite news |last=Baker |first=Peter |date=March 26, 2010 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/27/world/europe/27start.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328142730/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/27/world/europe/27start.html |archive-date=March 28, 2010 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |title=Obama Seals Arms Control Deal With Russia |work=The New York Times }}</ref> Obama and Medvedev signed the [[New START]] treaty in April 2010, and the [[United States Senate|U.S. Senate]] ratified it in December 2010.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/23/world/europe/23treaty.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223044444/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/23/world/europe/23treaty.html |archive-date=December 23, 2010 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |work = The New York Times |first = Peter |last = Baker |title = Senate Passes Arms Control Treaty With Russia, 71–26 |date = December 22, 2010 }}</ref> In December 2011, Obama instructed agencies to consider [[LGBT rights by country or territory|LGBT rights]] when issuing financial aid to foreign countries.<ref>{{cite news |last = McVeigh |first = Karen |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/dec/07/gay-rights-us-aid-criteria |title = Gay rights must be criterion for US aid allocations, instructs Obama |newspaper = The Guardian |location = London |date = December 6, 2011 |access-date = January 4, 2013 }}</ref> In August 2013, he criticized Russia's law that discriminates against gays,<ref name="LAT80713">{{cite news |url=https://articles.latimes.com/2013/aug/07/nation/la-na-pn-obama-leno-russia-snowden-20130807 |title = Obama criticizes Russia's new anti-gay law in Leno interview |last = Parsons |first = Christi |date = August 7, 2013 |work = [[Los Angeles Times]] |access-date = August 27, 2014 }}</ref> but he stopped short of advocating a boycott of the upcoming [[2014 Winter Olympics]] in [[Sochi]], Russia.<ref name="Huffpo80913">{{cite news |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/09/obama-olympic-boycott_n_3733275.html |title = Obama Opposes Olympic Boycott, Criticizes Russian Anti-Gay Law |last = Johnson |first = Luke |date = August 9, 2013 |work = [[The Huffington Post]] |access-date = August 27, 2014 }}</ref> After [[Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation|Russia's invasion of Crimea]] in 2014, [[Russian military intervention in Syria|military intervention in Syria]] in 2015, and [[2016 United States election interference by Russia|the interference]] in the [[2016 United States presidential election|2016 U.S. presidential election]],<ref name="ftelect">{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/c596c0a8-a278-11e6-82c3-4351ce86813f | newspaper=[[Financial Times]] | title=US election: The Russia factor: Officials say Moscow's interference is unprecedented. Has the Kremlin achieved its goal? | date=November 4, 2016 |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170207141246/https://www.ft.com/content/c596c0a8-a278-11e6-82c3-4351ce86813f |archive-date=February 7, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[George Robertson, Baron Robertson of Port Ellen|George Robertson]], a former UK defense secretary and NATO secretary-general, said Obama had "allowed Putin to jump back on the world stage and test the resolve of the West", adding that the legacy of this disaster would last.<ref name="obexit">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/07/world/europe/europeans-view-obamas-exit-with-a-mix-of-admiration-and-regret.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107030307/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/07/world/europe/europeans-view-obamas-exit-with-a-mix-of-admiration-and-regret.html |archive-date=November 7, 2016 |url-access=limited |url-status=live | newspaper=The New York Times| title=Europeans View Obama's Exit With a Mix of Admiration and Regret | date=November 6, 2016}}</ref> Summary: Please note that all contributions to Christianpedia may be edited, altered, or removed by other contributors. 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